Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United future remains uncertain but Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have ruled themselves out of the race for his signature.
Ronaldo has been linked with a number of big clubs around the continent since he declared his desire to leave Old Trafford. But his options are beginning to fade.
Chelsea and Napoli both ruled out a move for the five time Ballon d’Or winner, and now Atletico and Bayern have followed suit.
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Atletico president, Enrique Cerezo branded a move for Ronaldo as “practically impossible”.
Cerezo told reporters, via El Partidazo De Cope: “I've already said this several times, I don't know who invented the Cristiano story but I'll tell you that it's practically impossible that he comes to Atletico de Madrid.
“Rumours are rumours and they have to stay as rumours. If you keep on fuelling the rumours then eventually it will look like it's something real, which it's not.”
Despite losing Robert Lewandowski, Bayern chief executive, Oliver Kahn has also stated that his club are not looking to sign Ronaldo.
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He told Bild: “We discussed about Cristiano Ronaldo internally, I consider him one of greatest players ever.
“Then we came to conclusion that, despite appreciation for Cristiano, he would not fit into our philosophy in the current situation.”
The Portuguese legend returned to the club’s Carrington training ground along with his agent Jorge Mendes as they held talks with club officials and manager Erik ten Hag on Tuesday morning.
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Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also spotted arriving but it has been reported that he was there for a regular board meeting with club chief executive Richard Arnold.
Ronaldo flew back to the UK on Monday after missing United’s summer tour of Thailand and Australia due to personal/family reasons, which the club accepted.
It is believed that United’s public stance remains that Ronaldo is not for sale. But Sky Sports News reported that they are willing to listen to offers for the 37-year-old.
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Ten Hag told reporters in Bangkok that Ronaldo remains in his plans for the new season.
The Dutchman said: “We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it. I'm looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. He is in our plans and we want success together.”
According to Sky’s senior reporter Melissa Reddy, Ronaldo’s lack of options will mean he will have to stay with the Old Trafford club.
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She said: “Ultimately, Ronaldo did state his desire to leave Old Trafford, but he's running out of options, and it seems like he's actually going to have to stay.”
Where will Ronaldo be playing when the new season gets underway? Only time will tell.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours
Marcus Chan